Easter / Ascension

The Apostles' Creed says, "On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father." Acts gives the impression that the Ascension may have occurred "forty days" after the Resurrection. From the Tomb Jesus Christ, "the King of Glory," proceeded to his eternal throne where he reigns as King of the Kingdom of God.

Traditional thought places the kingly crown on his head, replacing the crown of thorns, at this time. It is also a crown of his victory over death. Hence the crown of the King makes an appropriate symbol for this whole period.

The depicting the risen Christ may be made more explicit by one or more of these attributes:

• a white or golden garment
• the banner of the Resurrection (appropriate from his rising until his Ascension)
• the five wounds
• a radiance around him
• a crucifix on which Christ is shown clad in eucharistic vestments represents the Reigning Christ or Christ the King.